State super visits TES

State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey took the time to visit Tharptown Elementary School Oct. 10, where he toured the building and classrooms and interacted with the students.

“He seemed like a genuine person and like he enjoyed the visit and our unique school,” Principal Kelby Daniel said.

The main focus of their conversation was on the growth and development TES has seen over the past few years. Daniel said he told Mackey about the population growth and the development of the programs at the school, like the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative.

During Mackey’s tour, he visited Nichole Ergle’s classroom, where he got to see the AMSTI program in action.

“It has had a great effect on the kids and how they learn,” Ergle said.

Ergle said Mackey took his time talking to the students and asking them questions about what they were learning. “He was so involved and interested and knew the material,” Ergle said.

Ergle said it was impressive that Mackey took the time to visit the school and learn about them on a personal level. Other staff members agreed.

“It made us feel valued and appreciated,” counselor Susan McRight said. “He seemed to have a genuine interest and wasn’t rushed.”

Third-grade teacher Cassie Reed said it was an enjoyable experience for the faculty and the students.

“He was very complimentary to the students and good with them,” Reed said.

Franklin County Schools Superintendent Greg Hamilton has known Mackey for a while.

“He’s great at what he does,” Hamilton said. “They made a great decision when they made him state superintendent.”